Klopp Backs Minamino To Replicate Pre-Season Form In Upcoming Campaign

Minamino joined Liverpool from Austrian side RB Salzburg in the January transfer window and made 10 appearances in the top flight as the Reds claimed a first league title in three decades.

The 25-year-old Japanese international is however still adjusting to his new surroundings by evidence of his early performances.

Minamino has stepped up for Liverpool in pre-season as he scored the equalizing goal in last week’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley which ultimately ended in defeat on penalties.

Minamino once again shone for the Anfield outfit on Saturday as Liverpool came from two goals down to beat Blackpool 7-2 at Bloomfield Road, with a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.

Klopp has been impressed with his winter acquisition so far and has backed him to show his true mettle when the new season gets underway next weekend.

"I hope [he takes confidence from this]," Klopp told the club's official website. "It's clear that's what you always hope for.

"It's important for Taki and important for us, but it's about all together, so I think about the overall performance. Individuals then can always shine when everything else works, that's how it is.

"If you only have these individual glimpses here and there, it doesn't really work out. So, we have to work to win football games.

"Who scores then is not too important. But for Taki, of course it was a rather nice seven or eight days - of course."

Liverpool begin their title defence with a home game against newly-promoted Leeds United on Saturday.